Government takes preventive steps ahead of weekend’s rally to ensure security in Thailand

On 9 March 2010, the Thai Cabinet approved the use of the Internal Security Act B.E. 2551 (2008) in the areas of Bangkok and certain districts of seven nearby provinces from 11 to 23 March 2010.

The decision to invoke the ISA is deemed necessary as a precautionary step to ensure law and order, following the assessment by the Situation Monitoring Committee in light of the anti-government rallies announced by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) from 12 March 2010 and their intention to move towards Bangkok on 14 March. Given the large number of people expected to attend such rallies, the ISA will enable security agencies – police, military and civilian – to more effectively integrate their effort and take measures provided for under the Act and applicable laws to prevent and mitigate, as much as possible, undue disruption or impact on the safety of the general public.

On 9 March 2010, Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya also affirmed to the diplomatic corps that the Royal Thai Government would do its utmost to provide security for the public, including the diplomatic community, and would do so in accordance with the rule of law and with utmost restraint.

The law does not prohibit nor obstruct peaceful demonstrations held within the bounds of the law. The Royal Thai Government respects people’s constitutional right to peaceful assembly, while the security measures to be put in place would help ensure security and peaceful and orderly assembly of the demonstrators.

Some preventive measures have already been put in place, including setting up of checkpoints and patrols in the inner area of Bangkok. In this connection, additional checkpoints will be set up in Bangkok and other nearby provinces, and there would be temporary closure of a few thoroughfares around important government buildings in order to reserve access for authorised personnel to perform their duties. Rapid deployment units have also been set up to ensure timely responses in case any incident occurs.

Clear instructions have been given to all security agencies that officers exercise the utmost restraint, and should the situation escalate, that they take a graduated response – from light to heavy measures – in accordance with internationally accepted practices, with due respect to human rights principles. Meanwhile, the public have also been requested to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities, including to the Bangkok Metropolitan Call Centre by dialing 1555.

For tourists visiting the Kingdom, it should be stressed that foreigners have not been targeted in the on-going political conflict. Be that as it may, foreigners are advised to be vigilant, particularly in the areas where crowds may gather. The Royal Thai Government will continue to step up measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all foreigners in Thailand.

For further information, foreigners in Thailand may contact the 24-hour operation centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +662-575-1023 and +662-981-7225.

[link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand's website]     [Announcement of the Prime Minister of Thailand on the Areas with occurrences affecting Internal Security dated 9 March 2010]